Geordie favourite Vicky Pattison has revealed the reason she won’t be following in Cilla Black’s footsteps as the new host of Blind Date.

The former Geordie Shore star , 29, told fans she HAD been in talks to work on the iconic dating series, but it was back when the idea first surfaced and the programme looked very different to how it does now.

It’s since been confirmed Paul O’Grady will host with Melanie Sykes doing the voiceover.

“I was in talks to host the show in some way at some point, however that was back when it was going to be a Friday night reboot, post water-shed, wild and crazy for young audiences,” she explained.

“It’s since had a massive scheduling change and it’s going to be pre-watershed.”

Paul O'Grady and Cilla Black. Cilla Black would have been "very happy" that her close friend Paul O'Grady is stepping into her shoes to host Blind Date, her son has said (Image: PA)

Vicky continued to say: “I’m sure you will all agree that in that time slot it’s completely 100 per cent better suited to fantastic professional presenters like Mel and Paul.

“All I have to say about that now is in my heart of hearts, I know the right people got the job. Mel and Paul will smash it, especially at the time the show is on, for that audience and being the consummate professionals that they are.”

“I can’t wait to watch it,” she added.

It was announced earlier this year that Paul O’Grady has replaced close friend Cilla Black as the new host of Channel 5’s Blind Date reboot, which promises to be both nostalgic and reflective of modern times.

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“Blind Date is an incredibly special family show which brought laughter, tears and joy to TV viewers throughout the land,” said Paul.

“I am honoured to present the brand new series and, after speaking to Channel 5, I know the series is in safe hands. I can’t wait to see if we can find love.”

Vicky Pattison and John Noble (Image: @vickypattison)

Paul follows in the footsteps of his close friend, late TV icon Cilla, who fronted the original Blind Date from 1985 to 2003.

As well as a new channel and host, the updated Blind Date will introduce themes and twists to each episode to spice things up.

The essential format of the show will remain the same to give us all nostalgia chills, including the sliding panel, three questions, and live studio audience.

In a statement, Channel 5 said: “With no chance to swipe left, send a selfie or message back, the class of 2017 must break with modern-day dating convention and rely on their basic instincts to find the chemistry.”

But there will be a few updates to reflect present day life; although it’s not yet been announced what these will be.

One confirmed change, however, is that LGBT contestants will also be welcome to apply for the first time in the show’s history.

An exact air date has not been announced.

Vicky, meanwhile, previously spoke out about being linked to the series, saying it was an honour but nothing had been decided.